QuestSearch is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that belongs to the Adware family. What is Adware? Adware software is not a malicious program such as computer virus or other malware, but its presence can bring numerous pop ups and/or unwanted ads. Actually makers of adware is associated with some merchants and by displaying adverts to users they earn money for yourself. These adverts not only bother your browsing experience but also reroute your web browser to shady webpages.
Unwanted ads
Does the QuestSearch adware steal your data? Adware can install a component which enables its author to track which webpages you visit, which products you look at upon those pages. They are then able to select the type of ads they display you. So, if you had adware on your MAC system, there is a good chance you have another that is collecting and sharing your confidential information with third parties, without your consent.
Threat Summary
| Name | QuestSearch |
| Type | adware, potentially unwanted application (PUA), popup virus, popups, pop-up ads |
| Symptoms |
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| Removal | QuestSearch removal guide |
How does the QuestSearch adware get on your computer
The majority of adware software spreads as a part of free applications or even paid software that Web users can easily download online. The install packages of such applications, most often, clearly indicate that they will install third-party applications. The option is given to users to block the installation of any optional applications. So, in order to avoid the installation of any adware: read all disclaimers and install screens very carefully, choose only Custom or Advanced installation method and disable all third-party software in which you are unsure.
Thus, QuestSearch is a potentially unwanted program and should not be used. If you found any of the symptoms mentioned above, we suggest you to complete step-by-step guide below to remove the adware and remove QuestSearch adware software from your web browser.
How to Remove QuestSearch adware (removal guide)
There are a few solutions that can be used to delete QuestSearch adware software. But, not all PUPs such as this adware can be completely uninstalled using only manual ways. In many cases you are not able to uninstall any adware software using standard Mac options. In order to get rid of QuestSearch you need complete a few manual steps and use reliable removal utilities. Most IT security researchers states that MalwareBytes Free utility is a right choice. The free application is able to detect and delete QuestSearch from your MAC system and return your web browser settings to defaults.
To remove QuestSearch, complete the following steps:
- How to remove QuestSearch without any software
- Automatic Removal of QuestSearch adware
- How to stay safe online
- Finish words
How to remove QuestSearch without any software
In most cases, it is possible to manually delete QuestSearch adware software. This method does not involve the use of any tricks or removal tools. You just need to restore the normal settings of the MAC and browser. This can be done by following a few simple steps below. If you want to quickly remove QuestSearch , as well as perform a full scan of your machine, we recommend that you run adware removal utilities, which are listed below.
Uninstall QuestSearch associated software by using the Finder
Some of PUPs, adware software and browser hijackers can be deleted using the ‘Move to Trash’ utility that is located in the Finder. So, if you are using any version of Mac OS and you have noticed an unwanted program, then first try to remove it through the Finder.
Open Finder and click “Applications”.
It will display a list of all software installed on your MAC OS. Scroll through the all list, and remove any suspicious and unknown apps. Right click to dubious application and select “Move to Trash”. Another method is drag the program from the Applications folder to the Trash.
Most important, scroll through the all list, and move to trash any unknown applications. Don’t forget, select Finder -> Empty Trash.
Remove QuestSearch from Safari
By resetting Safari web-browser you restore your web browser settings to its default state. This is first when troubleshooting problems that might have been caused by QuestSearch adware software.
Run Safari internet browser. Next, choose Preferences from the Safari menu.
First, click the “Security” tab. Here, choose “Block pop-up windows”. It will block some types of pop-ups.
Now, click the “Extensions” tab. Look for questionable extensions on left panel, choose it, then click the “Uninstall” button. Most important to delete all dubious extensions from Safari.
Once complete, check your homepage and search provider settings. Click “General” icon. Make sure that the “Homepage” field contains the website you want or is empty.
Make sure that the “Search engine” setting shows your preferred search engine. In some versions of Safari, this setting is in the “Search” tab.
Remove QuestSearch adware software from Mozilla Firefox
The Firefox reset will remove the unwanted QuestSearch ads, modified preferences, extensions and security settings. However, your themes, bookmarks, history, passwords, and web form auto-fill information will not be deleted.
Click the Menu button (looks like three horizontal lines), and press the blue Help icon located at the bottom of the drop down menu as displayed in the following example.
A small menu will appear, click the “Troubleshooting Information”. On this page, press “Refresh Firefox” button as on the image below.
Follow the onscreen procedure to return your Mozilla Firefox web browser settings to their original settings.
Remove QuestSearch adware from Chrome
Resetting Chrome to original state is helpful in deleting the QuestSearch ads from your browser. This way is always advisable to follow if you have trouble in removing changes caused by adware software.
- First, run the Chrome and click the Menu icon (icon in the form of three dots).
- It will display the Google Chrome main menu. Select More Tools, then click Extensions.
- You will see the list of installed extensions. If the list has the extension labeled with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following steps: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.
- Now open the Chrome menu once again, click the “Settings” menu.
- Next, click “Advanced” link, that located at the bottom of the Settings page.
- On the bottom of the “Advanced settings” page, press the “Reset settings to their original defaults” button.
- The Chrome will open the reset settings dialog box as on the image above.
- Confirm the web-browser’s reset by clicking on the “Reset” button.
- To learn more, read the blog post How to reset Google Chrome settings to default.
Automatic Removal of QuestSearch adware
Security specialists have built efficient adware software removal tools to help users in removing unwanted pop ups and intrusive ads. Below we will share with you the best malicious software removal utilities with the ability to search for and get rid of QuestSearch adware.
How to automatically delete QuestSearch with MalwareBytes Free
We advise using the MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM). You may download and install MalwareBytes Free to search for adware and thereby delete QuestSearch ads from your internet browsers. When installed and updated, this free malware remover automatically detects and deletes all threats present on the MAC OS.
Installing the MalwareBytes Free is simple. First you will need to download MalwareBytes AntiMalware on your computer from the following link.
20851 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: September 10, 2020
When downloading is done, close all software and windows on your Apple Mac. Run the saved file. Follow the prompts.
The MalwareBytes will automatically start and you can see its main screen like below.
Now click the “Scan” button to search for QuestSearch . This procedure may take quite a while, so please be patient. While the MalwareBytes Free is checking, you can see count of objects it has identified either as being malicious software.
When MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) is complete scanning your MAC system, MalwareBytes will show a screen that contains a list of malicious software that has been found. Next, you need to press “Remove Selected Items” button. The MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM) will begin to remove QuestSearch .
How to stay safe online
In order to increase your security and protect your MAC OS against new undesired ads and malicious webpages, you need to run ad-blocker program that stops an access to harmful advertisements and web-sites. Moreover, the program can block the show of intrusive advertising, that also leads to faster loading of websites and reduce the consumption of web traffic.
Please go to the link below to download the latest version of AdGuard for Mac OS.
3687 downloads
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: January 17, 2018
When the download is finished, run the downloaded file. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen.
Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick instructions. Press “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick instructions which will assist you get to know AdGuard better.
Each time, when you start your MAC system, AdGuard will run automatically and stop unwanted ads, block harmful or misleading websites.
Finish words
Now your machine should be clean of the QuestSearch ads. We suggest that you keep MalwareBytes Free (to periodically scan your computer for new adwares and other malicious software) and AdGuard (to help you block undesired pop up advertisements and harmful web-pages). Moreover, to prevent any adware, please stay clear of unknown and third party applications.
If you need more help with QuestSearch adware software related issues, go to here.
